Etzebeth: I can control my anger

Etzebeth, one of senior players in the squad for the first Test against France in Pretoria on Saturday, is adamant he can control his temper.

Despite being a target for opposition players – who feel they can rile him up and milk penalties and even cards – Etzebeth said he is a risk for his team.

He said he is "relishing" the physical encounter against a French team that enjoys a physical scrap.

Etzebeth admitted Saturday is going to be a 'bruising' battle.

"They have a physical pack," said the player, who is one of the leaders in the Bok squad – having captained the Stormers twice this year.

"I am looking forward to getting stuck into their forwards," he said, adding that discipline is always important.

"You don't want to stand behind your posts going three points down or having conceded a yellow card," he said.

"Discipline will be one of the key aspects of the game."

As one of the enforcers in the team, often living on the edge, he said he will stay on the right side of the la.

"In over 100 games for the Stormers and Springboks I have received only two yellow cards," Etzebeth said.

"I think I control my anger very well," he said, adding: "Hopefully I will do that again on Saturday."

He also dismissed what he regards as a misconception about the lock being a card magnet.

"It is a perception and I suppose people can believe what they want.

"It is not something I am bothered by. I know what I can bring to the team."

By Jan de Koning

@king365ed

@rugby365com